Program in Cell and Developmental Dynamics, and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
J Cell Biol. 2010 Nov 29;191(5):905-13. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201006034.
Transposons are prominent features of most eukaryotic genomes and mobilization of these elements triggers genetic instability. Transposon silencing is particularly critical in the germline, which maintains the heritable genetic complement. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have emerged as central players in transposon silencing and genome maintenance during germline development. In particular, research on Drosophila oogenesis has provided critical insights into piRNA biogenesis and transposon silencing. In this system, the ability to place piRNA mutant phenotypes within a well-defined developmental framework has been instrumental in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the connection between piRNAs and transposon control.
转座子是大多数真核生物基因组的突出特征，这些元件的移动会引发遗传不稳定性。转座子沉默在生殖系中尤为关键，生殖系维持着可遗传的遗传成分。Piwi 相互作用 RNA (piRNA) 已成为生殖系发育过程中转座子沉默和基因组维持的核心参与者。特别是，对果蝇卵子发生的研究提供了关于 piRNA 生物发生和转座子沉默的关键见解。在这个系统中，将 piRNA 突变表型置于明确的发育框架内的能力对于阐明 piRNA 与转座子控制之间的联系的分子机制至关重要。
